Yosemite National Park
|
Granite Lakes Yosemite National Park |
July 28, 2020
Yesterday I wore myself out by traversing several miles on the wrong trail, so today I have opted for a shorter option that will include an item that has remained on my bucket list for twelve years.
Despite the current virus-related regulation that restricts park visitation to half its normal volume, there is but one parking space remaining at the trailhead located right next to the Tioga Pass entrance station; so I grab it.
The trail is friendly enough at to start with
The easy going ends suddenly as the trail switchbacks steeply up the hillside
with the aid of dozens of stone steps. Because I am a bit out of sorts this
morning, many rest stops are needed to negotiate the 600-foot climb.
Nearing the pass
At the top, I am greeted by a familiar albeit welcome scene:
The incomparable Cathedral Range is laid out before me
Directly below is the first objective, which I have visited twice previously.
Middle Gaylor Lake
Down at the lake shore, my first duty is to record a favorite seeming optical illusion:
Much of Tuolumne Meadows actually lies between this lake and those peaks
Back in 2008, I failed to make the most of this area because I had left my map in the car (Hike #41). Yesterday, I got screwed up over by Sunrise Lakes for the same reason. Today I have no map at all, but I am confident that one will not be needed. We'll see.
The plan is to circle around the south end of Middle Gaylor, then cross-country
to more attractions.
Looking north at Gaylor Peak
Sierra Fringed Gentian
Déjà vu. At almost the same spot where I shot a unique photograph of some butterflies previously, it has happened again.
Lustrous Copper — a first for me
Now I strike off generally westward toward Peak 11091 and more special stuff.
Heading for Panorama Peak
I renamed that peak on Hike #287 five years ago, as I
circumambulated it while an acquaintance and his buddy climbed it —
to shoot panoramas, of course.
The Cathedral Range is my favorite
Once across the meadow I discover that memory had failed me again, because I still am well south of the next objective; but at least I know where it is this time.
Lower Granite Lake is gorgeous
Easy crossing today
Having traversed this lakeshore twelve years ago, and having fond memories of it, I am most anxious to do it again.
The lake is nearly half a mile long
As anticipated, lakeside flowers begin to appear in profusion.
Little Elephant Heads
Rangers Buttons
Lemmon's Paintbrush
Both are Brewer's Lupine
This is a good-feeling place
Giant Red Paintbrush
Pacific Mountain Onion
This is as stunning a cirque as any that I have seen. The receding resident glacier left a remarkably sheer cliff, plus the usual lake at its base. In this case, however, there is not one lake, but two; and that is why I have come here today.
Lacking a map on my first visit, I did not know that the next attraction even
existed. Although I subsequently viewed it from above while traversing the
top of the cirque, I wanted a more up-close-and-personal encounter;
my big chance is at hand.
This is exciting
Suddenly, the upper lake appears. Oh, my!
This is why I go hiking
Scrambling around among the granite boulders, I find a good perch from which to take some pictures and revel in my good fortune.
One of the best lunch stops ever
Five years ago I treated myself to a phone call to my sweetie from that
ridge-top, which location also provided one of my all-time favorite
Yosemite photo-ops (Hike #287).
They must be researching something
Pacific Tree Frog
The lake's outlet
Starting back
A shortcut is in order
The lonesome little cloud in the center of that photo is the only one in the sky.
Elk Thistle
Woolly Sunflower
Cushion Buckwheat
Hikers everywhere at Middle Gaylor
This scene never gets old
As I intersect the trail, a man is waiting for his companion to catch up.
He strikes up a conversation, and I learn that he is a professor of Mycology at
Cal-Berkeley. When I eventually offer to take their photographs for this
journal, I include my standard quip of, "I'll make you world-famous!"
The woman responds with, "He already is".
Professor Tom and his wife Barbara
And it seems that Barbara is right (see Addendum).
What comes down must go up
This time, just two rest stops are required.
Mount Dana, second-highest in the park at 13061'
I don't see anyone on the summit at the moment, but then the peak is several miles away.
Ponds in Dana Meadows
Now it's time to finish up on those not-so-friendly stone steps.
Easy does it on the steep going
The finish line is near
Wait! What's that bright red object shining in the sunlight over to my right? I'll check it out.
Crimson Columbine — the only one seen today
§: Well, the only thing preventing this hike from receiving a top
rating is that the creeks were mostly dried up. In most other years,
it would have been a different story.
When you visit this place, don't content yourself with Middle Gaylor Lake and the trail up to the old mine; get yourself over at least to the delightful shore of Lower Granite Lake, for what might the nicest stop on your current Yosemite tour.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Personality |  |
| Flowers |  |
(clockwise route)
ADDENDUM
A bit of research revealed that, among other things, Tom Bruns has published innumerable scientific papers, has overseen millions of dollars' worth of grants, and has earned the utmost respect and admiration from students and peers alike. I feel honored to have met the gentleman, and I hope he sends me an email.
Gee, I should have mentioned yesterday's encounter with the squirrel that tried to carry around a mushroom bigger than itself; Tom might have enjoyed that. And perhaps he is associated with the couple doing some field work at Upper Granite Lake. College students, maybe?
Click on this link for further info: <tom-bruns-named-outstanding-teacher>
